Defense Contractor Heeds Microsoft's Patent War Cry

Microsoft scored a victory Monday when defense contractor General Dynamics' Itronix division agreed to pay it licensing fees for using the Android operating system.

Itronix makes rugged mobile computers for military, law enforcement, first responder and field service use.

Microsoft's assertions of patent rights over Android and subsequent demands for licensing fees are controversial.
Some devices makers that use Android, such as Taiwanese smartphone maker HTC, have ponied up in response to Redmond's demands for licensing fees.

However, others, such as Barnes & Noble and Motorola, are fighting Microsoft in court.